Purine Derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to certain novel 8-phenylxanthines substituted in the 3 or 4 position of the phenyl group by an alkenylene, alkenyleneoxy, alkynylene or alkynyleneoxy bearing a terminal acidic grouping, and to their use in human and veterinary therapy, particularly for conditions associated with the cell surface effects of adenosine.

This is a continuation of copending application(s) Ser. No. 06/856,719filed on 4/25/86 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,296

The present invention relates to a class of novel xanthines and saltsand solvates thereof, processes and intermediates for their preparation,pharmaceutical formulations containing them, and to their use in humanand veterinary medicine.

Theophylline, a naturally occurring alkaloid, is 1,3-dimethylxanthineand is known to antagonise the receptors for adenosine. Although itsprecise mechanism of action requires further clarification, it isbelieved that this property of theophylline accounts, at least to someextent, for its ability to stimulate the central nervous system andcardiac muscle, to act on the kidney to produce diuresis, and to relaxsmooth muscle, notably bronchial muscle (Trends in Pharmacol. Sci., Jan1980, 1, 129 to 132; Life Sci., 1981, 28, 2083 to 2097; and ThePharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 6th Edition, Macmillan PublishingCo, pages 592 to 607). Various derivatives of theophylline have beenprepared in recent years including substituted 8-phenylxanthines thatwere prepared as part of a structure-activity study (Biochem. Pharmac.,1981, 30, 325 to 333 and Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1983, 80, 2077 to 2080).Some of these bind to adenosine receptors with greater affinity thantheophylline (European Patent Publication No. 92398).

A structurally distinct class of novel 8-phenylxanthines has now beendiscovered, which are characterised by the presence of an alkenylene,alkenyleneoxy, alkynylene or alkynyleneoxy moiety terminally substitutedby an acidic grouping on the 3-or 4-position of the phenyl ring. Thesexanthine derivatives have been found to possess therapeutic activity intheir ability to antagonise the effects of adenosine in tissuepreparations. Such activity is of therapeutic value in human andveterinary medicine and in particular for those pathophysiologicaldisorders arising from the cell surface effects of adenosine.

Certain 8-phenylxanthines substituted by various groups on thepyrimidine and phenyl rings are described in UK patent application No. 2135 311 A, reference being made to the adenosine antagonist activity ofsuch compounds as measured by in vitro binding data only. However, thedata provided in the Specification for the adenosine antagonist activityof such compounds illustrates that the binding of the compounds variesconsiderably according to the identity of the substituents on thepyrimidine and phenyl rings. The xanthine compounds according to thepresent invention constitute a structurally distinct class of 8-phenylxanthines, characterised by the presence on the 3- or 4-position of thephenyl ring of an unsaturated grouping terminally substituted by anacidic grouping. These compounds have been found to possess advantageousadenosine antagonist activity as demonstrated by their response to theguinea pig ileum twitch test described hereinafter and, moreover, haveshown superior activity to analogous compounds described in UK patentapplication No. 2 135 311 A, as shown in heart block models in vivo(described later). The compounds are, thus, of therapeutic value.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I):##STR1## wherein: X₁ and X₂ are the same or different and are hydrogen,C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl or C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl optionally substituted in thearyl ring by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, halo, nitro, amino, azidoor cyano, provided that both X₁ and X₂ are not hydrogen;

one of X₃ and X₄ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy,halo, nitro, amino, C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl or carboxy and the other is agroup --Y--Z where Y is C₂₋₆ alkenylene, or C₃₋₆ alkenyleneoxy, C₂₋₆alkynylene or C₃₋₆ alkynyleneoxy and Z is carboxy, sulphonyl orphosphonyl or a C₁₋₉ alkyl ester, a C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl ester or a C₆₋₁₂ arylester thereof, or a 5-tetrazolyl; and

X₅ and X₆ are the same or different and are oxygen or sulphur; or a saltor solvate thereof.

The compounds of the invention may exist in a number of tautomeric formsand all such forms, individually and as mixtures, are embraced by theabove definition of formula (I) even though only one tautomer isdepicted for convenience.

A preferred sub-class of X₁ and X₂, when C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl optionallysubstituted in the aryl ring by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, halo,nitro, amino, azido or cyano, is benzyl optionally substituted in thephenyl ring by methyl, methoxy, hydroxy, chloro, nitro, amino, azido orcyano. Examples included within this preferred sub-class include benzyland benzyl substituted by nitro, amino, azido or cyano.

Preferably, X₁ and X₂ are the same or different and are hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl. In particular, X₁ and X₂ are the same or different and are bothC₁₋₆ alkyl. Examples of X₁ and X₂, when C₁₋₆ alkyl, include bothbranched and straight chain alkyl, for example methyl, ethyl, n- andiso- propyl, and n-, iso- and tertbutyl. Preferred examples of X₁ andX₂, when C₁₋₆ alkyl, include ethyl, n-propyl and n-butyl, especiallyn-propyl.

Preferably, one of X₃ and X₄ is hydrogen.

A preferred sub-class of Y is (in straight- or branched-chain form) C₂₋₃alkenylene (such as vinylene, and propenyleneoxy) or C₂₋₆ alkynylene(such as acetylene). Most preferably, Y is vinylene or acetylene.

Preferably, Z, when a C₁₋₉ alkyl ester, is a C₁₋₆ alkyl ester. Examplesof Z, when a C₁₋₆ alkyl ester, include the methyl and ethyl esters.

Examples of Z, when a C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl ester, include the benzyl ester.

Examples of Z, when a C₆₋₁₂ aryl ester, include the phenyl ester.

As used herein in relation to the definition of Z, a phosphonyl esterincludes both the dibasic ester and the monobasic half-ester.

As used herein, 5-tetrazoyl is the group having the structural formula:##STR2## which thus embraces both tautomeric forms thereof and which areidentifiable as 5-(1H)-tetrazolyl and 5-(2H)-tetrazolyl.

Included within the definition of Z is a preferred sub-class, wherein Zis carboxy, sulphonyl or phosphonyl or a C₁₋₆ alkyl ester thereof.Preferably, Z is carboxy or a C₁₋₆ alkyl, such as a methyl or ethyl,ester thereof.

Most preferably, X₃ is hydrogen and X₄ is the group --Y--Z where Y isvinylene and Z is carboxy.

Preferably, both X₅ and X₆ are oxygen.

Those compounds of formula (I) wherein X₁ and X₂ are the same ordifferent and are C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl (e.g. benzyl) or C₃₋₄ straight chainalkyl, X₃ is hydrogen, X₄ is --Y--Z wherein Y is ethenylene and Z iscarboxy, and X₅ and X₆ are oxygen have been found to have particularlygood anti-retroviral activity, especially against HTLV-III.

The compounds of the present invention are capable of existing asgeometric and optical isomers. All such isomers, individually and asmixtures, are included within the scope of the present invention.Compounds in the form of the F-geometrical isomers, are particularlypreferred.

Of the compounds exemplified hereinafter, those that are preferredinclude

1.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

2.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-1-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid.

3.(E)-4-(1,3-diethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

4.(E)-4-(1,3-diallyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

5.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

6. (E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

7. (E)-4-(3-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

8. (E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

9. (E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-isobutyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

10.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

11.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-isobutyl-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

12.(E)-4-(1-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

13.(E)-4-(1,3-dibutyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

14.(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

15.(E)-4-(3-butyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

16.(E)-4-(1-butyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

17.(E)-4-(3-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

18.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-diisobutyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

19.(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-6-oxo-2-thio-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

20.(E)-4-[3-(4-cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid,

21.(E)-4-[3-(3-cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid,

22.3-[4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)phenyl]propiolicacid,

23.(E)-4-[1-(4-cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid,

24.(E)-4-(1-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid,

25.(E)-4-(3-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid.

Compounds 13, 14, 24 and 25 are particularly preferred.

As salts of a compound of formula (I), there are included acid additionsalts of the compound, wherein one of X₃ and X₄ is amino, and saltscomprising the compound, wherein one of X₃ and X₄ is carboxy, or whereinthe other is a group --Y--Z where Y is as hereinbefore defined and Z iscarboxy, sulphonyl or phosphonyl, as an anionic species, together with acation. In both types of salts, the pharmacological activity resides inthe moiety derived from the compound of the invention as defined hereinand the identity of the other component is of less importance althoughfor therapeutic purposes it is, preferably, pharmaceutically acceptableto the recipient of the salt. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts include those derived from mineral acids, such ashydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, metaphosphoric, nitric andsulphuric acids, and organic acids, such as tartaric, acetic, citric,malic, lactic, fumaric, benzoic, glycollic, gluconic, succinic andarylsulphonic, for example p-toluenesulphonic, acids. Examples of saltscomprising the compound, wherein one of X₃ and X₄ is carboxy, or whereinthe other is a group --Y--Z where Y is as hereinbefore defined and Z iscarboxy, sulphonyl or phosphonyl, as an anionic species, together with acation, include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, such as sodium andpotassium salts, alkaline earth salts, such as magnesium and calciumsalts, and salts formed with organic bases, for example, amino saltsderived from mono-, di- or tri-(lower alkyl) or (lower alkanol)amines,such as triethanolamine and diethylaminoethylamine, and salts withheterocyclic amines such as piperidine, pyridine, piperazine andmorpholine. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts together with thesalts which are not thus acceptable have utility in the isolation and/orthe purification of the compounds of the invention, and the unacceptablesalts are also useful in being convertible to the acceptable salts bytechniques well known the art.

Examples of a solvate of a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereofinclude an hydrate, for example the monohydrate.

The compounds of the present invention and the salts and solvatesthereof may be prepared by any suitable process. In this regard, thepresent invention provides a first process for the preparation of acompound of formula (I), as defined hereinbefore, or a salt or solvatethereof, which comprises cyclising, in the presence of an oxidant, acompound of formula (II): ##STR3## wherein X₁ to X₆ are as definedhereinbefore; optionally converting X or X₂, or X₃ or X₄ in theresulting compound of formula (I) into another X₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄respectively; in the case where one or both of X₅ and X₆ is/are oxygen,optionally converting one or both of X₅ and X₆ into sulphur; andoptionally forming a salt or solvate thereof.

The cyclisation, in the presence of an oxidant, of a compound of formula(II) may be carried out conventionally, for example, at an ambient orelevated temperature in a solvent, such as nitrobenzene.

Examples of an oxidant for use in the cyclisation of a compound offormula (II) include nitrobenzene, oxygen with or without apalladium/carbon catalyst, or ferric chloride. Of these, nitrobenzene ispreferred since it can also function as the solvent in which thecyclisation may be carried out.

Examples of the optional conversion of X₁ or X₂ in the resultingcompound of formula (I) into another X₁ or X₂ respectively are generallyknown in the art. One useful example is the optional conversion byreduction of 4-nitrobenzyl (for X₂) into 4-aminobenzyl. A preferredreducing agent for such reduction is hydrogen and platinum or platinumon charcoal.

Examples of the optional conversion of X₃ or X₄ in the resultingcompound of formula (I) into another X₃ or X₄ respectively are generallyknown in the art. One useful example is the optional conversion byhydrolysis of the group --Y--Z where Y is as hereinbefore defined and Zis a C₁₋₉ alkyl, a C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl or a C₆₋₁₂ aryl carboxylic ester, aC₁₋₉ alkyl, a C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl or a C₆₋₁₂ aryl sulphonyl ester, or a C₁₋₉alkyl, a C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl or a C₆₋₁₂ aryl phosphonyl ester into the group--Y--Z where Y is as hereinbefore defined and Z is carboxy, sulphonyl orphosphonyl respectively. Such hydrolysis may be carried outconventionally, for example, by using, in the case of a carboxylic orsulphonyl ester, aqueous sodium hydroxide or, in the case of aphosphonyl ester, concentrated hydrochloric acid and glacial aceticacid. In the case where one or both of X₅ and X₆ is/are oxygen, theoptional conversion of one or both of X₅ and X₆ into sulphur may becarried out with phosphorus pentasulphide (J. Org. Chem., 1977, 42,2470).

The optional formation of a salt or solvate of a compound of formula (I)may be carried out using techniques well known in the art.

The compound of formula (II) may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula (III): ##STR4## wherein X₁ and X₂ and X₅ and X₆ are as definedhereinbefore, with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR5## wherein X₃ andX₄ are as defined hereinbefore.

The reaction between the compounds of formulae (III) and (IV) may becarried out conventionally, for example, by heating under reflux in asolvent, such as a mixture of acetic acid and methanol. It is, however,a preferred aspect of this process of the present invention that theresulting Schiff's base is not isolated but that the two stages leadingto the compound of the present invention--the reaction between thecompounds of formulae (III) and (IV) and the cyclisation of theresulting compound of formula (II)--are carried out in one operation inthe same reaction vessel. In these circumstances, the reaction betweenthe compounds of formulae (III) and (IV) is, preferably, carried outunder reflux in nitrobenzene.

The compound of formula (III) may be prepared by reducing a compound offormula (V): ##STR6## wherein X₁ and X₂ and X₅ and X₆ are as definedhereinbefore.

The reduction of the compound of formula (V) is, preferably, carried outwith ammonium sulphide in the manner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2 602795.

The compound of formula (V) may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula (VI): ##STR7## wherein X₁ and X₂ and X₅ and X₆ are as definedhereinbefore, with nitrous acid; and optionally converting X₁ or X₂ intoanother X₁ or X₂ as defined herein.

The reaction between the compound of formula (VI) and nitrous acid(which may be prepared in situ from sodium nitrite and glacial aceticacid) is, preferably, carried out in accordance with the proceduredescribed in J. Org. Chem., 1951, 16, page 1879 et seq.

Examples of the optional conversion of X₁ or X₂ into another X₁ or X₂include the optional conversion of hydrogen into C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl or C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl optionally substituted in the aryl ring by C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, halo, nitro, amino, azido or cyano. Infact, if it is desired to prepare a compound of formula (I), wherein X₁is a bulkier group than X₂, then it is preferred first to prepare thecompound of formula (VI), wherein X₁ is hydrogen, and then to convertthe hydrogen atom into the desired group for X₁.

The present invention also provides a second process for the preparationof a compound of formula (I), wherein the other of X₃ and X₄ is thegroup --Y--Z where Y is C₃₋₆ alkenyleneoxy and Z is as hereinbeforedefined, or a salt or solvate thereof, which comprises reacting acompound of formula (VII): ##STR8## wherein X₁ and X₂ and X₅ and X₆ areas hereinbefore defined and one of X₃ ¹ and X₄ ¹ is as definedhereinbefore for one of X₃ and X₄ and the other is hydroxy, with acompound of formula (VIII);

    L--Y.sup.1 --Z                                             (VIII)

wherein L is a leaving group, Y¹ is C₃₋₆ alkenylene and Z is ashereinbefore defined; optionally converting X₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄ in theresulting compound of formula (I) into another X₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄respectively; in the case where one or both of X₅ and X₆ is/are oxygen,optionally converting one or both of X₅ and X₆ into sulphur; andoptionally forming a salt or solvate thereof.

The reaction between the compounds of formulae (VII) and (VIII) may becarried out conventionally, for example, in the presence of a base, suchas an alkali metal alkoxide, in particular potassium t-butoxide, in asolvent, such as dimethyl sulphoxide, under an inert atmosphere. Apreferred example of the leaving group (L) is bromo.

Examples of the optional conversion of X₁ or X₂ in the resultingcompound of formula (I) into another X₁ or X₂ respectively are asdescribed hereinbefore in relation to the corresponding optionalconversions carried out on the compound of formula (I) resulting fromthe cyclisation of a compound of formula (II).

Examples of the optional conversion of X₃ or X₄ in the resultingcompound of formula (I) into another X₃ or X₄ respectively are generallyknown in the art. An example is the optional conversion by hydrolysis ofthe group --Y--Z where Y is C₃₋₆ alkenyleneoxy and Z is a C₁₋₉ alkyl, aC₇₋₁₂ aralkyl or a C₆₋₁₂ aryl carboxylic ester, a C₁₋₉ alkyl, a C₇₋₁₂aralkyl or a C₆₋₁₂ aryl sulphonyl ester or a C₁₋₉ alkyl, a C₇₋₁₂ aralkylor a C₆₋₁₂ aryl phosphonyl ester into the group --Y--Z where Y is C₃₋₆alkenyleneoxy and Z is carboxy, sulphonyl or phosphonyl. Such hydrolysismay be carried out as described hereinbefore.

In the case where one or both of X₅ and X₆ is/are oxygen, the optionalconversion of one or both of X₅ and X₆ into sulphur may be carried outas described hereinbefore.

The optional formation of a salt or solvate of a compound of formula (I)may be carried out using techniques well known in the art.

It should be noted that, during the reaction between the compounds offormulae (VII) and (VIII), a side-reaction may occur at the nitrogenatom in the 7-position in the compound of formula (VII). It will,therefore, be appreciated that the reagents and conditions should bechosen so as to minimise the occurrence of any such side-reaction. Inany case, it is preferred, for reasons of a better yield and a cleanerproduct, that the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein theother of X₃ and X₄ is the group --Y--Z where Y is C₃₋₆ alkenyleneoxy andZ is as hereinbefore defined, is carried out using the first process ofthe invention involving the cyclisation of a compound of formula (II).

The compound of formula (VII) may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula (III), as defined hereinbefore, with a compound of formula (IX):##STR9## wherein X₃ ¹ and X₄ ¹ are as hereinbefore defined.

The reaction between the compounds of formulae (III) and (IX) may becarried out analogously to the reaction between the compounds offormulae (III) and (IV) as described hereinbefore.

The present invention also provides a third process for the preparationof a compound of formula (I), as defined hereinbefore, or a salt orsolvate thereof, which comprises cyclising a compound of formula (X):##STR10## wherein X₁ and X₂ and X₅ and X₆ are as defined hereinbeforeand one of A and B is hydrogen and the other is 3-(X₃)-4-(X₄) -benzoylin which X₃ and X₄ are as defined hereinbefore; optionally converting X₁or X₂, or X₃ or X₄ in the resulting compound of formula (I) into anotherX₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄ respectively; in the case where one or both of X₅and X₆ is/are oxygen, optionally converting one or both of X₅ and X₆into sulpur; and optionally forming a salt or solvate thereof.

The cyclisation of a compound of formula (X) may be carried outconventionally. For example, in the case where B is hydrogen and A is3-(X₃)-4-(X₄)-benzoyl, the cyclisation is, preferably, carried out inthe presence of aqueous base, such as aqueous sodium hydroxide, atelevated temperature, and, in the case where A is hydrogen and B is3-(X₃)-4-(X₄)-benzoyl, the cyclisation usually proceeds spontaneously inview of the highly nucleophilic 5-amino substituent.

Examples of the optional conversion of X₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄ in theresulting compound of formula (I) into another X₁ or X₂, or X₃ or X₄respectively are as described hereinbefore in relation to thecorresponding optional conversions carried out on the compound offormula (I) resulting from the cyclisation of a compound of formula(II).

In the case where one or both of X₅ and X₆ is/are oxygen, the optionalconversion of one or both of X₅ and X₆ into sulphur may be carried outas described hereinbefore.

The optional formation of a salt or solvate of a compound of formula (I)may be carried out as described hereinbefore. In this regard, it shouldbe noted that, if the cyclisation of a compound of formula (X) iscarried out in the presence of aqueous base, then the compound offormula (I) is normally obtained as the salt. The free acid of formula(I) can be regenerated simply by treatment of the salt with acid.

The compound of formula (X), wherein B is hydrogen and A is3-(X₃)-4-(X₄)-benzoyl, may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula(III), as defined hereinbefore, with a compound of formula (XI):##STR11## wherein X₃ and X₄ are as defined hereinbefore and X₇ ishydroxy, chloro, bromo or C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyloxy.

The reaction between the compounds of formulae (III) and (XI) may becarried out conventionally. For example, in the case where X₇ ishydroxy, the reaction may be carried out in the presence of acondensation promoting agent, such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

The compound of formula (X), wherein A is hydrogen and B is3-(X₃)-4-(X₄)-benzoyl, may be prepared by reducing a compound of formula(XII): ##STR12## wherein X₁ to X₆ are as defined hereinbefore.

The reduction of a compound of formula (XII) may be carried outconventionally, for example, by catalytic hydrogenation with Raneynickel or platinum or by using ammonia sulphide as described in U.S.Pat. No. 2,602,795. As mentioned previously, the 5-amino substituent ofthe resulting compound of formula (X), wherein A is hydrogen and B is3-(X₃)-4-(X₄)-benzoyl, is highly nucleophilic with the result that thecompound of formula (X) normally proceeds spontaneously to the desiredcompound of formula (I).

The compound of formula (XII) may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula (V), as defined hereinbefore, with a compound of formula (XI),as defined hereinbefore.

The reaction between the compounds of formulae (V) and (XI) may becarried out analogously to the reaction between the compounds offormulae (III) and (XI) described hereinbefore.

It should be noted that, if, in the reactions between the compounds offormulae (III) and (XI) and of formulae (V) and (XI), the other of X₃and X₄ in formula (XI) is the group --Y--Z where Y is as definedhereinbefore and Z is carboxy, sulphonyl or phosphonyl, then thereagents and conditions should be chosen so as to minimise the occurenceof any competing side-reaction at the acidic group for Z and to maximisethe desired reaction between the carboxy group or derivative thereof(COX₇) depicted in formula (XI) and the amino substituent in the5-position in the compound of formula (III). Alternatively, the acidicgroup for Z may be blocked during the course of the reaction and thendeblocked after its completion. Examples of preferred blocked acidicgroups include C₁₋₉ alkyl esters, C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl esters or C₆₋₁₂ arylesters, the blocking groups of which may be added to and removed fromthe acidic group in conventional manner. Because of the need to avoid acompeting side-reaction either by the employment of particular reagentsand conditions or by using a blocked acidic group, this process of theinvention is generally the least preferred.

The compounds of formulae (II), (X) and (XII) and a number of thecompounds of formulae (III), (V) and (VII), as described hereinafter,are novel intermediates of use in the preparation of the compounds offormula (I) and, thus, represent part of the present invention.

The compounds of formulae (III) and (V) that are novel intermediates areof formulae (III)¹ and (V)¹ : ##STR13## wherein X₁ ¹ is methyl and X₂ ¹is propyl, X₁ ¹ is propyl and X₂ ¹ is methyl, X₁ ¹ is n-butyl and X₂ ¹is methyl, X₁ ¹ and X₂ ¹ are both iso-butyl, X₁ ¹ and X₂ ¹ are bothallyl, or X₁ ¹ and X₂ ¹ are the same or different and are C₇₋₁₂ aralkyloptionally substituted in the aryl ring by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy,hydroxy, halo, nitro, amino, azido or cyano.

The compounds of formula (VII) that are novel intermediates are offormula (VII)¹ : ##STR14## wherein X₁ ¹¹ and X₂ ¹¹ are the same ordifferent and are hydrogen, C₂₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl or C₇₋₁₂ aralkyloptionally substituted in the aryl ring by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy,hydroxy, halo, nitro, amino, azido or cyanc, and X₃ ¹ and X₄ ¹ are asdefined hereinbefore.

The compounds of formulae (IV), (VI), (VIII), (IX) and (XI) arecommercially available, or may be obtained by carrying out a publishedprocess for their preparation, or by carrying out a process analogous toa published process for the preparation of structurally analogouscompounds. For example, the compounds of formula (IV), wherein the otherof X₃ and X₄ is the group --Y--Z where Y is C₃₋₆ alkenyleneoxy and Z isas hereinbefore defined, may be obtained by alkenylating in aconventional manner the corresponding hydroxybenzaldehyde.

While it is possible for the compounds of the present invention and thesalts and solvates thereof to be administered as the raw chemical, it ispreferred to present them in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation.Accordingly, the present invention further provides a pharmaceuticalformulation, for human or veterinary application, which comprises acompound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltor solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

The pharmaceutical formulation may optionally contain other therapeuticagents that may usefully be employed in conjunction with the compound ofthe present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof. The expression "pharmaceutically acceptable" as used herein inrelation to the carrier is used in the sense of being compatible withthe compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt or solvate thereof, employed in the formulation and with any othertherapeutic agent that may be present, and not being detrimental to therecipient thereof. The carrier itself may constitute one or moreexcipients conventionally used in the art of pharmacy that enable thecompound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltor solvate thereof, and any other therapeutic agent that may be present,to be formulated as a pharmaceutical formulation.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention include thosesuitable for oral, parenteral (including subcutaneous, intradermal,intramuscular and intravenous) and rectal administration although themost suitable route will probably depend upon, for example, the precisenature and severity of the condition and the identity of the recipient.The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form andmay be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.All methods include the step of bringing into association the activeingredient, i.e. the compound of the present invention, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, with the carrier.In general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimatelybringing into association the active ingredient with, a liquid carrieror, a finely divided solid carrier or both, and then, if necessary,forming the associated mixture into the desired formulation.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention suitable fororal administration may be presented as discrete units, such as acapsule, cachet tablet, or lozenge, each containing a predeterminedamount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solutionor a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid such as asyrup, elixir or a draught; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or awater-in-oil liquid emulsion. The formulation may also be a bolus,electuary or paste.

Generally, a tablet is the most convenient pharmaceutical formulationsuitable for oral administration. A tablet may be made by compressing ormoulding the tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitablemachine the active ingredient in a free-flowing form, such as a powderor granules, in admixture with, for example, a binding agent, an inertdiluent, a lubricating agent, a disintegrating agent and/or a surfaceactive agent. Moulded tablets may be prepared by moulding in a suitablemachine a mixture of the powdered active ingredient moistened with aninert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored andmay be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of theactive ingredient.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention suitable forparenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterileinjection solutions which may contain, for example, an anti-oxidant, abuffer, a bacteriostat and a solute which renders the compositionisotonic with the blood of the recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueoussterile suspensions which may contain, for example, a suspending agentand a thickening agent. The formulations may be presented in unit-doseor multi-dose containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and maybe stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only theaddition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example water for injection,immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions andsuspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tabletsof the kind previously described.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention suitable forrectal administration may be presented as a suppository containing, forexample, cocoa butter and polyethylene glycol.

An advantage of the compounds of the present invention and thepharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof is that they aregenerally water soluble and that, therefore, they are suitable forformulation as aqueous solutions. In contrast, a number of the varioussubstituted 8-phenylxanthines of the prior art (Biochem. Phamac., 1981,30, 325 to 353; and Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 1983, 80, 2077 to 2080) arenot soluble in water or at least not sufficiently soluble so as topermit their formulation in this way.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the compounds of the present invention andthe pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof are of use inhuman and veterinary medicine and in particular in the treatment ofprophylaxis of AIDS and other retroviral infections and ofpathophysiological disorders arising from the cell surface effects ofadenosine. Accordingly, the present invention yet further provides amethod for the treatment or prophylaxis of an animal with apathophysiological disorder arising from the cell surface effects ofadenosine, which comprises administering to the animal a therapeuticallyor prophylactically effective amount of a compound of the presentinvention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. Inthe alternative, there is also provided a compound of the presentinvention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, foruse in human or veterinary medicine and in particular for use in thetreatment or prophylaxis of pathophysiological disorders arising fromthe cell surface effects of adenosine.

The pathophysiological disorders caused by adenosine/cell-surfaceinteractions and requiring treatment or prophylaxis in accordance withthe present invention generally arise within the cardiovascular,gastrointestinal or neuroendocrine systems since adenosine has aparticularly pronounced effect on the cell surface receptors in thesesystems and hence on their physiology. Particular examples of suchpathophysiological disorders include heart block induced by variousdiagnostic procedures, such as scintography, or occurring as a result ofa myocardial infarct where there is increased leakage of endogenousadenosine into the extracellular environment surrounding the heartmuscle (Cir. Res., 1982, 51, 569 et seq). Other examples of suchconditions include asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.

The animal requiring treatment or prophylaxis with a compound of thepresent invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof, is usually a human or non-human mammal.

The route by which the compound of the present invention, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, is administered tothe animal may be oral, parenteral (including subcutaneous, intradermal,intramuscular, intravenous or rectal. If the compound of the presentinvention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, ispresented in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation, which, asmentioned hereinbefore, is preferred, then the actual formulationemployed will of course depend on the route of administration elected bythe physician or veterinarian. For example, if oral administration ispreferred, then the pharmaceutical formulation employed is, preferably,one which is suitable for such a route.

A therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a compound ofthe present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof, will depend upon a number of factors including, for example,the age and weight of the animal, the precise condition requiringtreatment or prophylaxis and its severity, and the route ofadministration, and will ultimately be at the discretion of theattendant physician or veterinarian. However, an effective amount of acompound of the present invention for the treatment or prophylaxis ofpathophysiological disorders arising from the cell surface effects ofadenosine, will generally be in the range of 0.1 to 50 mg/kg body weightof recipient per day, more usually in the range of 0.5 to 10 mg/kg bodyweight per day and most often in the range of 1 to 5 mg/kg body weightper day. Thus, for a 70 kg adult patient, the actual amount per daywould most often be from 70 to 350 mg and this amount may be given in asingle dose per day or more usually in a number (such as two, three orfour) of sub-doses per day such that the total daily dose is the same.

An effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate ofa compound of the present invention may be determined as a proportion ofthe effective amount of the compound per se.

The compounds of the present invention and the salts and solvatesthereof may also be used, in a manner known generally in the art, in theisolation and purification of adenosine receptors. The followingexamples and pharmacological data are provided in illustration of thepresent invention and should not be construed as in any way constitutinga limitation thereof.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

5,6-Diamino-1,3-dimethyluracil hydrate (1.70 g, 10.0 mmol) and4-formylcinnamic acid (1.76 g, 10.0 mmol) were refluxed in acetic acid(10 mL)-methanol (100 mL) for 0.5 hour.(E)-4-[(6-Amino-1,2,3-4-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-5-pyrimidinyl)iminomethyl]cinnamicacid was precipitated as yellow powder (1.84 g, 56%); mp 299°-301° C.with effervescence. Analysis for (C₁₆ H₁₆ N₄ O₄): C, 58.53; H, 4.91; N,17.07. Found: C, 58.36; H, 4.93; N, 16.90. Structure confirmed by ¹H-NMR and FI mass spectrum.

(E)-4-[(6-Amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-5-pyrimidinylmethyl]cinnamicacid (500 mg, 1.52 mmol) was refluxed in nitrobenzene (125 mL) for 2.5hours with slow distillation to remove water formed. The reactionmixture was cooled and the precipitate washed with ether.Recrystallization from N,N-dimethylformamide-water gave the monohydrateof the title compound as a pale yellow powder; mp>380° C. Analysis for(C₁₆ H₁₄ N₄ O₄.H₂ O): C, 55.81; H, 4.68; N, 16.27. Found: C, 56.05: H,4.69; N, 16.27. Stucture confirmed by ¹ H-NMR and EI mass spectrum.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

5,6-Diamino-1,3-dimethyluracil hydrate (5.11 g, 30.0 mmol) and4-formylcinnamic acid (5.29 g, 30.0 mmol) were refluxed in nitrobenzene(500 mL). The nitrobenzene was allowed to distill slowly with waterformed. Fresh nitrobenzene was added to keep the volume constant. After5 hours of reflux, the mixture was cooled and the precipitate collected(8.07 g). Recrystallization from N,N-dimethylformamide-water gave themonohydrate of the title compound as a pale yellow powder, identicalwith that of Example 1 by ¹ H-NMR and elemental analysis.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-1-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

6-Amino-1-methyl-3-propyl-2,4(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione (V. Papesch and E.F. Schroeder, J. Org. Chem. 1951, 16, 1879) (5.53 g, 27.5 mmol) wasdissolved in hot 95% ethanol (20 ml)-water (120 ml). Sodium nitrite(2.32 g) and glacial acetic acid (2.4 ml) were added. The resultingmixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. Orange-pink crystalswere filtered off and dried at 50° C. under vacuum to give purplecrystals of 6-amino-1-methyl-5-nitroso-3-propyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione (2.92 g, 80%); mp 250° dec. Analysis for (C₈ H₁₂N₄ O₃): C,45.28; H,5.70; N,26.40. Found: C,45.12; H,5.74; N,26.34.

5,6-Diamimo-1-methyl-3-propyl-2,4(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione was preparedfreshly from6-amino-1-methyl-5-nitroso-3-propyl-2,4(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione byammonium sulfide reduction using the method of V. Papesch, M. Grove, andF. F. Schroeder (U.S. Pat. No. 2 602 795). This diamine (2.00 g, 10.0mmol) was condensed with 4-formylcinnamic acid (1.76 g, 10.0 mmol) bythe procedure of Example 2 to give the title compound as an ivorypowder, after crystallization from N,N-dimethylformamide-water; mp>300°C. Analysis for (C₁₈ H₁₈ N₄ O₄.1/5 DMF): C,60.54; H,5.30; N,15.94.Found: C,60.52; H,5.22; N,16.03.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,3-diethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 360° C. Analysisfor (C₁₈ H₁₈ N₄ O₄): C,61.1; H,5.12; N,15.81. Found: C,61.04; H,5.15;N,15.81.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,3-diallyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point of greater than 300° C.Analysis for (C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₄): C,63.48; H,4.80: N,14.81. Found: C, 63.26;H,4.86; N,14.71.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point of 355° C. (dec.). Analysisfor (C₂₀ H₂₂ N₄ O₄): C,62.82; H,5.80; N,14.65. Found: C,62.91; H,5.84;N,14.63.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point of 300° C. Analysis for (C₂₅H₁₂ N₄ O₄): C,57.69; H,3.87; N,17.94. Found: C,57.47; H,3.90; N,17.87.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of(E)-4-(3-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₆ H₁₄ N₄ O₄): C,58.89; H,4.32; N,17.17. Found: C,58.64; H,4.36;N,17.24.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8yl)cinnamic acid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₇ H₁₆ N₄ O₄): C,59.94; H,4.74; N,16.46. Found: C,59.78; H,4.76;N,16.41.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-isobutyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₈ H₁₈ N₄ O₄): C,61.01; H,5.12; N,15.81. Found: C,60.85; H,5.17;N,15.74.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₈ H₁₈ N₄ O₄): C,61.01; H,5.12; N,15.81. Found: C,60.86; H,5.16;N,15.76.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-isobutyl-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₉ H₂₀ N₄ O₄): C,61.95; H,5.47; N,15.21. Found: C,61.99; H,5.51;N,15.19.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of(E)-4-(1-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₇ H₁₆ N₄ O₄): C,60.00; H,4.74; N,16.46. Found: C,59.91; H,4.77;N,16.43.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,3-dibutyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point of 350°-355° C. Analysis for(C₂₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄): C,64.38; H,6.39; N,13,65. Found: C,64.11; H,6.42;N,13.57.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₈ H₂₂ N₄ O₄): C,70.28; H,4.65; N,11.71. Found: C,70.04; H,4.67;N,11.63.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of(E)-4-(3-butyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₉ H₂₀ N₄ O₄): C,61.94; H,5.47; N,15.21. Found: C,61.77; H,5.52;N,15.16.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of(E)-4-(1-butyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₁₉ H₂₀ N₄ O₄): C,61.94; H,5.47; N,15.21. Found: C,61.70; H,5.50;N,15.11.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of(E)-4-(3-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid.

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₂ H₁₈ N₄ O₄): C,65.66; H,4.51; N,13.92. Found: C,65.43; H,4.60;N,13.87.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-diisobutyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄): C,64.37; H,6.39; N,13.65. Found; C,64.23; H,6.42;N,13.64.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-6-oxo-2-thio-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid

5,6-Diamino-1,3-dimethyl-2-thiouracil (K. R. H. Woolridge and R. Slack,J. Chem. Soc., 1962, 1863) (0.93 g, 5.0 mmol) and 4-formylcinnamic acid(0.88 g, 5.0 mmol) were refluxed in nitrobenzene (100 mL) for 30 minuteswith slow distillation of water formed. After cooling, the yellow solidwas filtered and washed, first with ethanol then with ether, to give thetitle compound, m.p. >320° C. Analysis for (C₁₆ H₁₄ N₄ O₃ S): C,56.13;H,4.12; N,16.35; S,9.36; Found: C,56.21; H,4.15; N,16.35; S,9.44.

EXAMPLE 213-[4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)phenyl]Propiolic acid.

A suspension of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid (4.00 g, 10.4 mmol) (Example 6) and concentrated sulfuric acid (1ml) in absolute ethanol (1.5L) was refluxed for 2 hours with slowdistillation of 75 ml of vapor. Reflux was continued for 3 days withexclusion of moisture with 50 ml distillate being removed during thefinal 4 hours. The cooled suspension was filtered to yield ethyl(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamateas a pale yellow solid. mp >300° C. Analysis for (C₂₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄).C,64.38; H,6.38; N,13.65. Found: C,64.34; H,6.43; N,13.63.

A solution of bromine (1.2 g, 7.5 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (25 ml)was added over 30 minutes to a suspension of the above ethyl ester (3.00g, 7.31 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (125 ml) at 40° C. After stirringat room temperature overnight, the suspension was treated with bromine(0.2 ml) in glacial acetic acid (25 ml), warmed at 60° C. for 3 hours,and finally treated with bromine (one drop). After cooling to roomtemperature, a small amount of solid was filtered off, and the filtratewas evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated in 1:1 ethylacetate ether (140 ml) and filtered to yield ethyl2,3-dibramo-3-[4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purin-8yl)phenyl]propionateas a pale yellow solid; m.p. 221.5°-223° C. with effervesence.

Analysis for (C₂₂ H₂₆ Br₂ N₄ O₄): C,46.33; H,4.60; N,9.82; Br,28.02.Found: C,46.43; H,4.65; N,9.77; Br,27.97.

A suspension of the above dibromopropionate (3.00 g, 5.26 mmol) in ananhydrous ethanolic solution (150 ml) of potassium hydroxide (1.5 g, 26mmol) was refluxed for 21 hours, then diluted over 3 hours with water(250 ml) as the ethanol was allowed to evaporate. The cooled solutionwas treated with 1N HCl until a precipitate formed (pH 10) which wasextracted with methylene chloride (100 ml). The aqueous phase was madestrongly acidic with 1N HCl. The thick precipitate was filtered anddried to yield a solid. A portion of this solid (0.65 g) wasrecrystallised from 50% ethanol (50 ml) to give the title compound as ayellow solid as the hemihydrate; mp slow dec. starting at 260° C.Analysis for (C₂₀ H₂₀ N₄ O₄.5H₂ O): C,61.69; H,5.44; N,14.39. Found:C,61.85; H,5.38; N,14.45.

EXAMPLE 22(E)-4-[3-(4-Cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid.

α-Amino-p-tolunitrile (prepared from α-bromotolunitrile in amodification of the method described by J. H. Short and T. D. Darby, J.Med. Chem., 10 (5), 833, 1967) was treated first with methyl isocyanatefollowed by cyanoacetic acid according to the method of V. Papesch andE. F. Schroeder (J. Org. Chem., 1951, 16, 1879) to yield4-[(6-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1-pyrimidinyl)methyl]benzonitrile,which was then nitrosated, reduced, and condensed with 4-formylcinnamicacid following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3 to give thetitle compound as a yellow solid with a melting point greater than 350°C. Analysis for (C₂₃ H₁₇ N₅ O₄): C,64.63; H,4.01; N,16.38. Found:C,64.58; H,4.06; N,16.36.

EXAMPLE 23(E)-4-[3-(3-Cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid.

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 22, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₃ H₁₇ N₅ O₄): C,64.63; H,4.01; N,16.38. Found: C,64.40; H,4.04;N,16.45.

EXAMPLE 24(E)-4-[1-(4-Cyanobenzyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl]cinnamicacid.

α-Bromo-p-tolunitrile (5.41 g, 27.6 mmol) was added at once withstirring to a solution of 6-amino-1-methyluracil (V. Papesch and E. F.Schroeder. J. Org. Chem. (1951), 16, 1879) (3.90 g, 27.6 mmol) in 1:1ethanol: 1N sodium hydroxide (56 ml) at 42° C. After 1.75 hours. themixture was cooled, filtered and washed with water. The resulting solidand second crop obtained by evaporation of the filtrate were combined(5.80 g) and partially purified by silica gel chromatography followed byrepeated trituration with 1:2 methanol; ether to give crude4-[(6-Amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3-pyrimidinyl)methyl]benzonitrile(0.86 g), indentified by NMR.

To a refluxing solution of this solid (0.17 g, 0.60 mmol) in 2:1:1 H₂ O:ethanol: glacial acetic acid (12 ml) was added a solution of sodiumnitrite (0.063 g, 0.91 mmol) in water (0.5 ml). After refluxing for oneminute, the mixture was cooled with stirring, then filtered to give4-[(6-amino-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-5-nitroso-2,4-dioxo-3-pyrimidinyl)methyl]benzonitrileas a purple solid (0.17 g, 77%): m.p. 266° (dec.). Analysis for (C₁₃ H₁₁N₅ O₃): C,54.74; H,3.89; N,24.55. Found: C,54.80: H,3.91: N,24.49.

This intermediate (0.50 g, 1.7 mmol) was reduced to the dianine withammonium sulfate according to the method of V. Papesch, H. Grove, and E.F. Schroeder, U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,795. The resulting solid (0.47 g) wasdirectly combined with 4-formylcinnamic acid (0.21 g, 1.2 mmol) andrefluxed in nitrobenzene (40 ml) for 30 minutes with distillation ofnitrobenzene and water formed (total volume 12 ml). The cooled mixturewas filtered and washed with ethanol togive the title compound as a paleyellow solid: m.p. >300° C. Analysis for (C₂₃ H₁₇ N₅ O₄.0.25 H₂ O):C,63.95; H,4.05; N,16.21. Found: C,64.05; H,4.09; N,16.20.

EXAMPLE 25(E)-4-(1-Benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-3-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid.

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₄ H₂₂ N₄ O₄); C,66.97; H,5.15; N,13.02. Found: C,67.07; H,5.19;N,13.02.

EXAMPLE 26(E)-4-(3-Benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1-propyl-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid.

Following an analogous procedure to that of Example 3, the titlecompound was prepared with a melting point greater than 300° C. Analysisfor (C₂₄ H₂₂ N₄ O₄); C,66.97; H,5.15; N,13.02. Found: C,66.80; H,5.16;N,13.01.

EXAMPLE 27 Cardiac Effects

The ability of(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid to inhibit ADO-induced prolongation of the atrio-to-His bundleconduction time and, thus, its potential for the treatment of cardiacdisorders including heart block, was evaluated in isolated, perfusedguinea-pig heart preparations.

Male and female guinea-pigs were sacrificed by a blow to the head, andtheir hearts were quickly removed. The heart was then hung on aretro-grade aortic infusion apparatus. Physiological Krebs-Henseleitsolution (in mM; sodium chloride, 120.0, potassium chloride, 4.8,calcium chloride, 2.5, magnesium sulfate, 1.2, potassium phosphate, 1.2,pyruvic acid, 2.0, glucose, 5.5, sodium bicarbonate, 25.0, disodium FDTA0.6, ascorbic acid, 0.3) at pH 7.4, 34.5°-35.5°, gassed with 95% oxygen,5% nitrogen, was the infusion medium. The right atrial appendage andwall containing the sino-atrial pacemaker was then removed. Thepulmonary artery and the mitral valve were cut. The stimulatingelectrode was placed on the left atrial appendage. Flectrodes wereappropriately placed to permit recording of the left atrial (LAE) andHis-Bundle (HBE) electrograms. Stimulus delay and duration were usuallytwo milliseconds. The voltage was set at two times threshhold, or about6-9 volts. A Grass S4 stimulator was used for stimulation.

Pacing was initiated at a rate that ensured one to one capture and laterwas set to 2-3 Hz. Control atria-His Bundle times (A-H intervals) wereobtained once the heart had stabilized. Adenosine infusion (5.0 μm,mixed in Henseleit-Krebs solution) was then begun for a period of fiveminutes. Atrio-ventricular block frequently occurred at pacingfrequencies of 3 Hz, so the pacing in these cases was lowered to a ratewhere one-to-one conduction was seen. This rate was in the range of1.5-2.5 Hz. Once the A-H interval had stabilized, a recording formaximum ADO effect was obtained. Infusion of varying doses of antagonistconcurrent with the 5 μm ADO infusion was then begun. A Razel A-99syringe pump was used to infuse the antagonist into the perfusate line.The antagonists were made up in 1.0 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH7.4, at a stock concentration of 0.2 mM. Final infusion conentrationlevels of the antagonists were in a range of 0.20-30.0 μm. Theantagonists were infused at a given concentration for three minutesbefore electrogram recordings were obtained. Two antagonists wereevaluated per guinea-pig. A wash period of ten minutes betweenantagonists was done.

A.V. conduction times were measured from the HBE and LAE. The AHinterval was defined as the time between the beginning of the stimulusartifact and at the beginning of the His bundle spike, i.e., S-Hinterval. Measurements were compiled for control (no ADO or antagonist),ADO (no antagonist), and ADO plus antagonist (A--A) concentrations.Differences were then calculated by subtracting the control interval inquestion. Percentage ADO prolongation inhibition (%INH) was calculatedby subtracting the A--A difference from the ADO difference, dividing byADO difference, and multiplying by 100, thus %INH=(ADO diff.-ant.diff.)/ADO diff.*100.

The Kd(50) was then evaluated by an Fadie-Scatchard plot, where(%INH)/(antagonist conc.) was plotted on the ordinate and %INH on theabscissa. Kd(50) was provided by the negative reciprocal of the slope.The mean Kd(50) for(E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid for five animals was found to be 0.19 μm.

EXAMPLE 28 Injection Formulation

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient        Amount per Ampoule                                          ______________________________________                                        Compound of the Invention                                                                       10.0 mg                                                     Buffering Agent, q.s.                                                                           --                                                          Water, q.s.        1.0 ml                                                     ______________________________________                                    

The compound of the invention is finely ground and dissolved in thewater. The pH is adjusted to the proper value by the buffering agent,and the solution is filtered and sterilised by autoclaving before beingsealed under sterile conditions in ampoules.

EXAMPLE 29 Suppository Formulation

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient        Amount per Ampoule                                          ______________________________________                                        Compound of the invention                                                                       75.0        mg                                              Cocoa Butter      2.0         g                                               or Wecobee ™ Base                                                          ______________________________________                                         (Wecobee is a trademark and is a hydrogenated fatty carboxylic acid).    

The compound of the invention is finely ground and mixed with the meltedCocoa Butter or Wecobee™ base. It is then poured into moulds and allowedto cool to afford the suppositories.

EXAMPLE 30 Syrup Formulation

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient      Amount per 5 ml                                               ______________________________________                                        Compound of the Invention                                                                     35.0 mg                                                       Sucrose                      2.0 mg                                           Methylparaben                0.5 mg                                           Sodium Benzoate  0.5 mg                                                       Cherry Flavour  q.s.                                                          Colouring                    q.s.                                             Water                        q.s. to 5.0 ml                                   ______________________________________                                    

Ethanol, sucrose, sodium benzoate, methylparaben, and flavouring arecombined in 70% of the total batch quantity of water. Colouring and thecompound of the invention are then dissolved in the remaining water, andfinally the two solutions are mixed and clarified by filtration, thusaffording a syrup.

EXAMPLE 31 Tablet Formulation

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient      Amount per Tablet                                             ______________________________________                                        Compound of the Invention                                                                     75.0 mg                                                       Lactose                        110.0 mg                                       Corn Stach, Pregelatinized                                                                     2.5 mg                                                       Potato Starch                   12.0 mg                                       Magnesium stearate              0.5 mg                                        ______________________________________                                    

The compound of the invention is finely ground and intimately mixed withthe powdered excipients, lactose, corn stach, potato starch andmagnesium stearate. The formulation is then compressed to affordtablets.

EXAMPLE 32 Capsule Formulation

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient      Amount per Capsule                                            ______________________________________                                        Compound of the Invention                                                                     75.0 mg                                                       Lactose                        400.0 mg                                       Magnesium Stearate              5.0 mg                                        ______________________________________                                    

The compound of the invention is finely ground and mixed with thepowdered excipients, lactose, corn starch and stearic acid, and thenpacked into two part, gelatin capsules.

Pharmacological Data

Based on studies to date, a positive correlation can be establishedbetween the ability of a compound to antagonise adenosine (purine)receptors and its activity in treating or preventing pathophysiologicaldisorders arising from the cell surface effects of adenosine, such asheart block (Cir. Res., 1982, 51, 569 et seq.) and asthma. Accordingly,a representative number of compounds of the present invention weretested for their ability to antagonise the purine receptors using theguinea pig ileum test system.

Procedure

Ilea were removed from sacrificed guinea pigs and placed in organ bathscontaining oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer. After equilibration, theilea were stimulated to contract (twitch contraction) using anelectrical field-stimulus of 0.1 Hz, 0.05 ms duration and maximalvoltage. Under these conditions, the twitch contraction results from therelease of acetylcholine.

Concentration response curves to the purine agonist, 2-chloroadenosine,were determined first in the absence and then in the presence ofmultiple concentrations of the compounds of the invention. Oneconcentration of each compound was used per tissue. Quantification ofpurine receptor antagonism was accomplished using the Schild regressiontechnique, i.e. plots of log (dose-ratio-1) vs log compoundconcentration, and the pA₂ determined by regression of the data pointsto the x-intercept, where log (dose-ratio-1) is zero. Since the slopesof these regressions were not different from unity, the pA₂ may beconsidered the pKb, i.e. the negative log of the dissociation constantof the compound for the purine receptors.

Results

The compounds of the invention tested in this way and the results ofeach test are set forth below.

    ______________________________________                                        Compound                                                                      of      pA.sub.2                                                              Example Guinea pig Compound of   pA.sub.2 guinea pig                          No.     ileum (slope)                                                                            Example No.   Ileum (slope)                                ______________________________________                                         6      7.7 (0.9)  15            7.1 (0.9)                                    11      7.0 (1.0)  18            7.1 (0.9)                                    14      7.5 (1.0)  19             7.45 (1.0)                                                     THEOPHYLLINE  4.9 (1.1)                                    ______________________________________                                    

These results indicate clearly that the compounds of the presentinvention are capable of antagonizing adenosine receptors and that theyare superior in their effect than the prior art adenosine antagonist,theophylline. The compounds of the present invention are, therefore,useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of pathophysiological disordersarising from the cell surface effects of adenosine.

Toxicity Data

The toxicity of a representative number of compounds of the presentinvention was determined by using the standard LD₅₀ test. The compoundswere administered intraperitoneally to mice and the results are setforth below.

    ______________________________________                                        Compound of                                                                   Example No.   LD.sub.50 (mg/kg)                                               ______________________________________                                         1            >500                                                             6            >500                                                            10            >100                                                            12            >100                                                            16            >100                                                            18            >100                                                            ______________________________________                                    

We claim:
 1. Thecompound(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid.
 2. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore.
 3. A tablet or capsulecontaining(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. Apharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound(E)-4-(1,3-dibenzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid.